Humanitarianism is a moral of kindness, benevolence, and sympathy extended to all human beings, where no distinction is to be made on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, caste, age, religion, ability, or nationality.

In today’s world, there is a growing emphasis on the need to ‘give back’ to society, and do something for those who are less fortunate than yourself. We often look to follow the example of those who have done great deeds; those shining examples who have changed the lives of millions of people; those who are known as ‘humanitarians’.

Here are five role models who we think are some of the world’s greatest humanitarians, so you can have a better idea of just what it takes to be a ‘humanitarian.’:

Mother Teresa

There are few people in the world who will not recognise Mother Teresa and her brilliant work for the upliftment of the underprivileged! As the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, she helped provide healthcare, food and shelter to the poorest of the poor, helping thousands of people in Kolkata initially, and eventually worldwide.

In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, “for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitutes a threat to peace.”

So could you call Mother Teresa a humanitarian? Undoubtedly so.

Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhiji was one of the most influential figures in helping the less underprivileged and worked for the change of the discriminatory and exploitative caste system in India. In 1918, when Kheda, a part of modern day Gujarat was hit by famine and drought, it was Gandhiji who worked for the removal of an exploitative taxation system imposed by the British that caused great misery among the poor. His revolutionary work was something that changed the world, and India, and it is impossible to discuss humanitarianism without discussing Gandhiji.

Kailash Satyarthi

In 2014, Kailash Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Malala Yousafzai, and his brilliant work was finally given the recognition it deserved. Satyarthi has changed the lives of more than 83,000 children from 144 countries. It is also primarily due to his work and activism that the International Labour Organisation adopted a resolution on the worst forms of child labour, which is now a principal guideline for governments around the world.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. stood as one of the most well known and inspiring examples of hope for those fighting for equal rights for all during the 1950’s and 60’s. His movement for civil rights for all those being suppressed around the world, and it’s non-violent spirit stood as an amazing source of inspiration for all around the world. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and although he was assassinated in 1968, his legacy of tireless campaigning for human rights lives on and is ensconced as one of the greatest humanitarians in history.

Nelson Mandela

Having spent almost 27 years in jail for protesting the unfair treatments of black people in South Africa, Nelson Mandela went on to become South Africa’s first black president, and led the country into racial harmony for the first time in it’s history. Mandela also founded the Nelson Mandela Foundation after his presidency, he focused on rural development, school construction, and combating HIV/AIDS in South Africa, changing the lives of millions both politically and socially. His memory remains firmly in place as one of the most important humanitarians in history.

Being a humanitarian undoubtedly needs much effort and dedication, especially to impact as many lives as these amazing people. But you too can give back to society by donating to a campaign on Impact Guru.

Help children fighting deadly diseases, and those attempting to uplift themselves and achieve amazing feats by donating to a campaign. Be a humanitarian by donating with love and care, on impactguru.com today.

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Impact Guru is a donation based crowdfunding platform for Indians across the world to give back to their country. We offer global crowdfunding solutions for individuals and organizations fundraising for medical causes, social causes, personal causes, creative projects, and various events. Incubated at Harvard Innovation Lab’s Venture Initiation Program in 2014 and PACT at Impact Hub in Singapore in the year 2015, Impact Guru has mobilised INR 329 Crores for various NGOs and social enterprises in more than 15 countries.